German exports inched higher in October, defying expectations for a decline. The modest rise was driven mainly by stronger trade with European Union partners, even as shipments to the United States and China dropped sharply.
According to data released by the federal statistics office on Tuesday, exports increased by 0.1% compared with the previous month. This result outperformed a Reuters poll, which had forecast a 0.5% decline.
Imports, meanwhile, fell 1.2% on a calendar- and seasonally-adjusted basis.
Germany’s foreign trade balance posted a surplus of 16.9 billion euros ($19.68 billion) in October, up from 15.3 billion euros in September and 14.6 billion euros in October 2024.
Exports to EU member states rose 2.7% month-on-month, highlighting continued resilience in regional demand. In contrast, exports to non-EU countries fell 3.3%.
Shipments to the United States declined by 7.8% from September, while exports to China dropped by 5.8%.
($1 = 0.8589 euros)
